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Intersession
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Education 465-4
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Paula Hart
Children's Literature
The following texts are required reading for all students and will be
available in paperback at the university bookstore annex.
1.
Tolkien, J.R.R. - The Hobbit
2.
Sutcliff, Rosemany - Warrior Scarlet
3.
Larrick, Nancy, ed.
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Piping Down the Valleys Wild (poetry)
The above title will be supplemented by reserve books, titles selected by
students, and numerous picture books.
This class is designed to introduce students to the widely varied field of
children's literature (from nursery rhymes to the more demanding fiction
suitable for the upper intermediate grades). Class sessions and assignments
will be devoted to exploring various reading experiences, establishing
selection standards, becoming acquainted with selection aids and review
sources, and finding ways of sharing and enriching literary experiences with
children through storytelling, puppetry, creative drama, etc.
The course will also give attention to Canadian children's literature and
current issues in children's books (such as, censorship, sexism, problem-
centred books).
Though assignments will be flexible enough to allow students to pursue
their special interests in children's literature, the following suggestions
are representative of the kind and the amount of work possible in a session
of this length.
1.
Annotated bibliography of five books (intermediate level) or ten picture
books. (This assignment could be extended to twice the number of titles, in
which case assignment #2 would be dropped).
2.
Extended critical review (c. 1500 words) of a book chosen from award lists
to be distributed or title of student's choice.
3.
Take-home essay review of works and topics considered.
4.
Individual or group project concerned with sharing literature (storytelling,
puppetry, making children's books, other)
For background on Canadian children's literature, students are encouraged to
read Sheila Egoff's The Republic of Childhood. 2nd edition, Oxford Press, 1975.
